Femto parameter profiles based upon nearby access point

ABSTRACT

A system and methodology that facilitates efficiently and accurately defining operating parameters for a femto access point (FAP) is provided. In particular, during provisioning of the FAP, the system obtains operating parameters utilized by a nearby FAP expected to have a substantially similar radio environment as the provisioning FAP. Moreover, weighting is applied to the nearby FAP to determine which set of operating parameters to utilize at the provisioning FAP. Accordingly, pre-existing operating parameters, optimized by the nearby FAP are employed to augment initial network listen measurements performed at the provisioning FAP, and thus improve speed and accuracy of initial FAP parameter provisioning.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to wireless communications and, moreparticularly, to a mechanism that defines a femtocell operatingparameter profile based on examples from nearby access points, which arelikely to have a similar radio environment.

BACKGROUND

Femtocells—building-based wireless access points interfaced with a wiredbroadband network—are traditionally deployed to improve indoor wirelesscoverage, and to offload a mobility radio access network (RAN) operatedby a wireless service provider. Improved indoor coverage includesstronger signal and improved reception (e.g., voice, sound, or data),ease of session or call initiation, and session or call retention aswell. Offloading a RAN reduces operational and transport costs for theservice provider since a lesser number of end users utilizesover-the-air radio resources (e.g., radio frequency channels), which aretypically limited. Femtocells utilize a set of operating parameters thatare typically obtained during the provisioning stage of the initialfemtocell setup. Traditionally, the operating parameters are derived byemploying a set of location and network listen measurements collectedwhen the femto access point (FAP) is first powered up (e.g.,initialization). Measured dominance (or not) of one or many macro cellscan be used to determine parameters, such as, FAP transmission power,and which access parameters provide the best service area/interferencemix for the femto service location. After initialization, measurementsare repeated periodically (e.g., every night) and parameters arefine-tuned over time.

The traditional mechanism for obtaining femto operating parameters mayhave a long-term benefit, but the initial femto customer setup,performed during initialization has many limitations. For example, theinitial network listen measurements and automatic parameter calculationssubstantially increase setup delay. Most often, it takes more than 15minutes for the FAP to collect measurements, define parameters andactivate its transmitter. In the meantime, the FAP transmitter isswitched off and the customer is kept waiting. Another limitation of thetraditional approach relates to accuracy. Moreover, radio networkenvironments are too dynamic to be accurately represented by asingle-shot network listen measurement taken during initialization. Inan example, the customer can initially power the FAP when traffic on asurrounding macro network is particularly low. Interference measurementstaken at this time can be overly optimistic, and result in channel,power and parameter selections, which are sub-optimal under normalloading conditions. Further, the installed location of the FAP can alsolead to inaccuracy. For example, a FAP installed in an undergroundbasement may receive much less interference during network listen, thanan above-ground served user equipment (UE) would, when the FAP isactivated. Accordingly, it can be beneficial to take more measurementsover an extended period of time to improve accuracy. However, duringthis extended period of time the customer is either waiting with noFEMTO service, or dropping calls whilst the FAP is self-adjusting. Thiscan lead to customer dissatisfaction and an unacceptably high rate ofinitial return of FAP equipment and/or disconnection of femto services.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the specification inorder to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of thespecification. This summary is not an extensive overview of thespecification. It is intended to neither identify key or criticalelements of the specification nor delineate any scope particularembodiments of the specification, or any scope of the claims. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts of the specification in a simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presentedlater.

The systems and methods disclosed herein, in one aspect thereof, canfacilitate utilizing operating parameters from a provisioned femtocellto accurately and efficiently configure a provisioning femtocell.Typically, during initialization (e.g., on power-up, reset, re-boot,etc.) of a first femto access point (FAP), the system can requestoperating parameters from a network node. The network node can searchfor the closest existing FAP, near the first FAP, that has adequate timeand quality of service. Further, the network node can forward theoperating parameters from the existing FAP to the first FAP. The firstFAP can utilize the operating parameters of the existing FAP as aninitial set and update the operating parameters at a later time, tobetter suit the surrounding environment of the first FAP.

Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter relates to a method thatcan be employed to facilitate improved startup operating parametersbased on pre-optimized femtocells. The method includes activating a newfemtocell and identifying a set of pre-optimized femtocells within aspecified distance from the new femtocell. Further, the method includesfiltering the set of pre-optimized femtocells based on various factorsto select operating parameters of the set of pre-optimized femtocellsthat provide a best fit for the new femtocell. Moreover, the selectedoperating parameters can be employed by the new femtocell as a startupparameter set. Accordingly, the new femtocell can be provisioned fasterand with a more optimal parameter set. Optimization efforts will also beminimal based on a better fit parameter set during initial provisioning.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certainillustrative aspects of the specification. These aspects are indicative,however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of thespecification may be employed. Other advantages and novel features ofthe specification will become apparent from the following detaileddescription of the specification when considered in conjunction with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that facilitates selection ofoperating parameters during initialization of a femto access point(FAP).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system that can be employed for obtainingoperating parameters for a femtocell.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system that can be employed to update theoperating parameters of a femtocell.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example system that exchanges an operatingparameter profile between nearby femtocells.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example system that facilitates automating one ormore features in accordance with the subject innovation.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example methodology that can be utilized tofacilitate improved speed and accuracy of initial femtocellprovisioning.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example methodology that facilitates efficient andaccurate femtocell provisioning.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example wireless communication environment withassociated components for operation of a femtocell in accordance withthe subject specification.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic deployment of a macro cell and afemtocell for wireless coverage in accordance with aspects of thedisclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of a femto access point thatcan exchange operating parameters with nearby femtocells, according tothe subject disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to executethe disclosed communication architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It may be evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details, e.g., without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitatedescribing the embodiments in additional detail.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,”“interface,” “platform,” “service,” “framework,” “connector,” or thelike are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity,either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution or an entity related to an operational machinewith one or more specific functionalities. For example, a component maybe, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program,and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application runningon a controller and the controller can be a component. One or morecomponents may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and acomponent may be localized on one computer and/or distributed betweentwo or more computers. As another example, an interface can include I/Ocomponents as well as associated processor, application, and/or APIcomponents.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include but arenot limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices(e.g., card, stick, key drive . . . ). Of course, those skilled in theart will recognize many modifications can be made to this configurationwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as anexample, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the wordexemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As usedin this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, orclear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of thenatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; orX employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under anyof the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” asused in this application and the appended claims should generally beconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms like “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice,” and similar terminology, refer to a wireless device utilized bya subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive orconvey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially anydata-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing terms are utilizedinterchangeably in the subject specification and related drawings.Likewise, the terms “access point,” “base station,” “Node B,” “evolvedNode B,” “home Node B (HNB),” and the like, are utilized interchangeablyin the subject application, and refer to a wireless network component orappliance that serves and receives data, control, voice, video, sound,gaming, or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream from a setof subscriber stations. Data and signaling streams can be packetized orframe-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” and the likeare employed interchangeably throughout the subject specification,unless context warrants particular distinction(s) among the terms. Itshould be appreciated that such terms can refer to human entities orautomated components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., acapacity to make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth. Inaddition, the terms the terms “femtocell”, and “femto” are utilizedinterchangeably, while “macro cell” and “macro” are utilizedinterchangeably herein.

A femtocell determines a set of operating parameters during aninitialization stage, when a femto access point (FAP) is powered up.Conventional FAPs determine the operating parameters based on locationand network listen measurements performed at initialization. However,the operating parameters selected based on these one-time initialmeasurements may not be accurate. Further, the selection process adds asignificant delay time for start-up of the FAP (e.g., long wait toactivate the femtocell) and the customer can experience problems duringinitial operation (e.g., poor call quality and/or dropped calls). Thesystems and methods disclosed herein select the operating parametersand/or define an operating parameter profile based upon examplesreceived from nearby FAPs that are expected/likely to have similar macroradio conditions as the provisioning FAP. Weighting applied to thenearby FAPs can determine which set of femtocell operating parameterprofiles can be employed. This can significantly improve the speed andaccuracy of initial FAP operating parameter provisioning, leading toshort start-up time and improved performance on start-up.

Aspects, features, or advantages of the subject innovation can beexploited in substantially any wireless communication technology; e.g.,Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), General Packet RadioService (GPS), Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMAX), Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (Enhanced GPRS), ThirdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), ThirdGeneration Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB),High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or Zigbee. Additionally, substantiallyall aspects of the subject innovation can be exploited in legacytelecommunication technologies.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there illustrated is an example system100 that facilitates selection of operating parameters duringinitialization of a FAP, according to an aspect of the subjectinnovation. As an example, the operating parameters can include, but arenot limited to, transmit power, frequency, handover thresholds, accessparameters, and/or the like. Typically, system 100 facilitates settingoperating parameters, for example, during provisioning of a FAP_(A) 102,based on operating parameters received from a nearby FAP_(B) 106.

In one aspect, operating parameters of FAP_(A) 102 can be configuredduring a “configuration mode” of operation. Typically, upon an initialpower up, FAP_(A) 102 can be started in the configuration mode via aboot procedure. It is noted that the FAP_(A) 102 can be configured inthe configuration mode during an initial setup (e.g., subsequent to orconcomitant with provisioning of FAP_(A) 102); a predetermined and/orperiodic schedule; or an event based instance (e.g., on reset, re-boot,etc.). It is further noted that the configuration mode of operation alsocan be initiated via an external interaction (e.g., a button actuationor press) of an agent (e.g., a subscriber, a technician, etc.) withFAP_(A) 102. Moreover, a display interface on the FAP_(A) 102 (e.g.,light emitting diode (LED) lights or a message in a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) screen) can convey the configuration mode of operation viavisual or aural indicia.

According to an embodiment, during the configuration mode, the FAP_(A)102 can request a set of initial operating parameters from a networknode (not shown) in a communication network 104. As an example, thecommunication between the FAP_(A) 102 and the communication network104/network node can be routed through a backhaul broadband wirednetwork. The backhaul broadband wired network can include an opticalfiber backbone, twisted-pair line, T1/E1 phone line, DSL, coaxial cable,and/or the like. Alternately, (e.g., if the broadband modem is not setup, or broadband network is not connected, etc.), the FAP_(A) 102 cancommunicate over a wireless network of the service provider, forexample, by employing a neighboring macro base station or possiblyanother FAP (not shown).

On receiving a request from FAP_(A) 102, the communication network 104can identify a femtocell, FAP_(B) 106 that has or is likely to havesimilar radio conditions as FAP_(A) 102, for example, based on adistance between FAP_(A) 102 and FAP_(B) 106. Typically, FAP_(B) 106 canbe most any pre-provisioned FAP (e.g., in the vicinity of FAP_(A) 102)deployed by the service provider. In one example, the FAP_(B) 106 canutilize operating parameters 108 that have been determined based oninitial network listen measurements and/or obtained from another FAP,and customized for the FAP_(B) 106 over a period of time. Moreover, theoperating parameters 108 of the FAP_(B) 106 can be transferred toFAP_(A) 102, via the communication network 104, to facilitate initialconfiguration of FAP_(A) 102. Accordingly, system 100 utilizespre-existing FAP operating parameters 108, for example, from FAP_(B)106, based upon zero or more cycles of optimization (e.g., performedperiodically by FAP_(B) 106), to augment initial network listenmeasurements for FAP_(A) 102, which would otherwise take weeks/months toconverge. The use of pre-existing operating parameters 108 alsosimplifies parameter management and optimization processes in FAP_(A)102.

After the initial setup, the FAP_(A) 102 can continue to take routinenetwork listen measurements, for example, periodically (e.g., everynight), and fine-tune/customize/optimize the operating parametersaccordingly. In one aspect, if the subsequent fine-tuned operatingparameters cause degraded performance, the FAP_(A) 102 can revert to theprior or initial set of operating parameters based upon the inclusion ofreliable planning tool data (not shown). In addition, after the initialsetup and/or fine-tuning, the operating parameters of FAP_(A) 102 can beprovided to a newly provisioned FAP (not shown) to improve the speed andaccuracy of initial parameter provisioning at the newly provisioned FAP.

Referring to FIG. 2, there illustrated is an example system 200 that canbe employed for obtaining operating parameters for a femtocell inaccordance with an aspect of the subject disclosure. It can beappreciated that the FAP 102 is substantially similar to FAP_(A) 102,depicted in FIG. 1 and can include functionality, as more fullydescribed herein, for example, with regard to system 100. Moreover, theFAP 102 can be connected to a network node (shown in FIG. 4) of acommunication network through a broadband network and/or a surroundingmacro/femto network.

According to an embodiment, FAP 102 can include a parameter managementcomponent 202 that obtains and/or updates operating parameters for FAP102. Typically, on start-up and/or reset, the parameter managementcomponent 202 can query a network node (e.g., server) and receive aparameter profile comprising one or more operating parameters from thenetwork node. In one aspect, the network node can indentify another FAPdeployed by the service provider, which has similar radio conditions asthe FAP 102. As an example, a FAP closest in distance to the FAP 102 canbe selected. In another example, a FAP near FAP 102, with the mostoptimized set of operating parameters, can be selected. The network nodecan provide the operating parameters of the selected FAP to the FAP 102.

On receiving the operating parameters, the parameter managementcomponent 202 can store the parameters in a data store 204. As anexample, the parameters can include, but are not limited to, accesscontrol parameters 206, admission control parameters 208, mobilitycontrol parameters 210, power control parameters 212, etc. Typically,the parameters (206-212) can include flexible or single value settings.For example, single value settings comprise, but are not limited to,Boolean values (e.g., true/false), specific values (e.g., “enabled,”“disabled,” “set,” “reset,” “on,” “off,” “high,” “low,” “enhanced,”“shared,” etc.), numeric values, etc. Further, “flexible” parameterscomprise, but are not limited to, numerical ranges, thresholds (e.g.,maximum radio frequency (RF) power, etc.), and/or time specific values,etc.

Access control parameters 206 can specify mechanisms for the FAP 102 tocontrol access (e.g., accept and reject connection requests). Admissioncontrol parameters 208 can specify how bandwidth and/or latency areallocated to streams with various requirements in the femtocell.Further, mobility control parameters 210 can specify handover thresholds(e.g., for handovers between macro cell and femtocell) and/or most anyfactors associated with mobility control. Furthermore, the power controlparameters 212 can specify femtocell uplink/downlink power, pilot power,maximum radio frequency (RF) power, etc. In addition, the parametermanagement component 202 can receive and store (in data store 204), mostany operating parameters, such as but not limited to uplink/downlinkfrequency, scrambling codes, femtocell receiver gain, UE uplink power,Adjacent Channel Selectivity (ACS) of the femtocell receiver, blockingperformance of the femtocell receiver, etc.

Typically, the data store 204 can reside within the FAP 102, and/or beoperatively connected to the FAP 102. It can be appreciated that thedata store 204 can include volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or caninclude both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way of illustration,and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory(ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memorycan include random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronousDRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Thememory (e.g., data stores, databases) of the subject systems and methodsis intended to comprise, without being limited to, these and any othersuitable types of memory.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the parameter management component 202 anddata store 204 can be functionally coupled to a communication platform214, which provides means to convey and receive attachment signaling,such as Location Area Update (LAU) and/or Routing Area Update (RAU)signaling. In addition, communication platform 214 can detect andmeasure attachment-signaling activity. Moreover, the communicationplatform 214 can utilize the operating parameters (206-212) duringfemtocell operation. For example, the communication platform 214 canspecify various settings, such as, but not limited to, femtocelluplink/downlink power/frequency, femtocell receiver gain, UE uplinkpower, ACS of the femtocell receiver, blocking performance of thefemtocell receiver, etc., based on the operating parameters (206-212)stored in data store 204. Accordingly, the system 200 can storeoperating parameters received from a nearby FAP, and quickly provisionthe FAP 102, during the configuration mode, with a more optimalparameter set. Moreover, optimization efforts are minimal based on abetter fit parameter set at start-up (during initial provisioning).

Referring now to FIG. 3, there illustrated is an example system 300 thatcan be employed to update the operating parameters of a femtocell,according to an aspect of the subject disclosure. In general, thefemtocell can be served by FAP 102 that facilitates communication andmanages femto access. As an example, the FAP 102 can be deployed in mostany location, such as, but not limited to, a home, a workshop, anoffice, an airport, a library, a hospital, a retail store, salon,grocery store, etc. It can be appreciated that the FAP 102, parametermanagement component 202, data store 204 and communication platform 214can include functionality, as more fully described herein, for example,with regard to system 200.

As described previously with respect to system 200, during aconfiguration mode, the FAP 102 can be provisioned with an initial setof operating parameters received from a nearby FAP (that has alreadybeen provisioned). Typically, the terms “nearby FAP” as used herein canrefer to a FAP that is in close proximity and/or within a specificdistance from the FAP 102. Additionally or alternately, the nearby FAPcan be most any FAP having a substantially similar surrounding radioenvironment as the FAP 102. According to an aspect, system 300 can beutilized to optimize the initial set of operating parameters andtune/customize them based on the surrounding environment of the FAP 102.Accordingly, a measurement component 302 is employed to collect locationand/or network listen measurements for optimizing the initial set ofoperating parameters (e.g., received from the nearby FAP). In oneaspect, the measurement component 302 can determinedominance/interference (or not) of one or more macro cells surroundingthe FAP 102. Typically, the measurement component can be activatedperiodically (e.g., every night, weekly, bi-weekly, etc.), at apredefined time, and/or on user demand (e.g., service provider,technician, and/or customer activation).

Moreover, the measurement component 302 can sense the radio environmentsurrounding the FAP 102 to identify signal strengths of neighboringcells. During the network listen measurements, the measurement component302 can listen to the broadcast and control channels of a base stationin the vicinity of FAP 102, and identify the estimated signal strengthsand/or path losses. Additionally or alternately, the measurementcomponent 302 can broadcast information that can be received byneighboring base stations—either femtocells or macro cells, andfacilitate a message exchange to improve performance and/or reduceinterference. The measurement data identified by the measurementcomponent 302 can be employed by the parameter management component 202to update the set of operating parameters, which in turn can enable theFAP 102 to adjust its settings accordingly. For example, the FAP 102 viathe communication platform 214 can adjust parameters, such as, but notlimited to, power levels (e.g. to minimize interference). In anotherexample, the communication platform 214 can determine how much FAPpower, and/or which access parameters provide the best servicearea/interference mix for the FAP 102. Accordingly, one or moreoperating parameters can be modified based on self-optimization byemploying the measurement component 302, resulting in an improved fitparameter set for a specific radio environment.

In one aspect, the measurement component 302 can also determine and/orstore values for various factors associated with degraded performance,such as, but not limited to, dropped calls, failed handovers and thelike. The parameter management component 202 can also employ thesefactors while updating the operating parameters. In one aspect, if anyof the subsequent fine-tuned operating parameters cause degradedperformance, the parameter management component 202 can revert to theprior or initial set of operating parameters, for example, received fromthe nearby FAP or a default set of operating parameters. In yet anotheraspect, after the operating parameters are optimized/ fine-tuned, theparameter management component 202 can provide the subsequent fine-tunedoperating parameters to a network node for delivery to a non-provisionedFAP, in response to a request from the network node.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example system 400 that exchanges an operatingparameter profile between nearby femtocells, according to an aspect ofthe subject innovation. Moreover, system 400 improves the speed andaccuracy of initial FAP parameter provisioning by employing pre-utilizedoperating parameters. In this example scenario, FAP_(A) 102 is anon-provisioned FAP in a configuration mode, for example, at start-up,power-up, reset, etc. During the configuration mode, FAP_(A) 102 canrequest (e.g., by employing a parameter management component 202) aninitial set of operating parameters from a network node 402 (e.g., anauto configuration server). As an example, communication between FAP_(A)102 and the network node 402 can employ a wired backhaul networkconnected to the FAP_(A) 102 and/or wireless communication via asurrounding macro and/or femtocell. It can be appreciated that theFAP_(A) 102 and FAP_(B) 106 can include functionality, as more fullydescribed herein, for example, with regard to systems 100-300.

According to an aspect, the network node 402 can include a parameterprovisioning platform 404 for providing a set of operating parametersfor provisioning a femtocell. On receiving a request for operatingparameters from the FAP_(A) 102, the parameter provisioning platform 404can indentify a set of FAPs that are within a specific distance from theFAP_(A) 102, by employing a femto detection component 406. In one aspectthe femto detection component 406 can identify a location of the FAP_(A)102. As an example, a location component 412 can provide a location,e.g., a physical address, geographical co-ordinates, a postal address,etc. Moreover, the location component 412 can determine locationinformation by employing most any standard network assisted locationprocedures. For example, the location component 412 can determine thelocation information by communicating with one or more neighboring macrobase stations, by determining offset information and the location of theneighboring base station(s). Additionally or alternately, the locationcomponent 412 can include a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver,which can be utilized to identify GPS co-ordinates of the FAP_(A) 102.Further, in another example, a customer can be requested to manuallyenter location information via a user interface coupled to the FAP_(A)102. In yet another example, location information can be obtained by thelocation component 412 and/or the femto detection component 406, from asubscriber database/web server within the communication network, basedon an identity of the FAP_(A) 102 and/or the customer.

On determining the location of the FAP_(A) 102, the femto detectioncomponent 406 can identify a set of FAPs that are deployed withinsimilar radio environments as FAP_(A) 102. In an aspect, the femtodetection component 406 can determine a set of FAPs that are within apredefined distance (e.g., nearby) from the FAP_(A) 102. For example,the femto detection component 406 can receive location information fromlocation components (e.g., location component 414) of various FAPs(e.g., FAP_(B) 106) deployed by the service provider and/or thesubscriber database, and can calculate a distance between the FAP_(A)102 and the various FAPs. Typically, the femto detection component 406can utilize most any technique to identity a set of FAPs that aredeployed within a radio environment that is substantially similar to theradio environment of FAP_(A) 102.

Further, the parameter provisioning platform 404 can include an analysiscomponent 408 that can filter the set of FAPs to select a single FAP(e.g., FAP_(B) 106) that has the most similar radio conditions asFAP_(A) 102. In particular, the analysis component 408 can determinewhich of the set of FAPs identified by the femto detection component 406have been pre-optimized and/or determine a level of optimization foreach of the set of FAPs. Moreover, the analysis component 408 can filterthe pre-optimized FAPs based on various factors, such as, but notlimited to, performance, call handling capability, call failure rate,network listen results, best performing femtocells based on performance(PM) counters, number of registration attempts based on PM counters,etc. In one example, the analysis component 408 can select a FAP (e.g.,FAP_(B) 106) whose parameters have the high level of optimization (e.g.greater than a predefined threshold). Moreover, the analysis component408 can determine a FAP (e.g., FAP_(B) 106) that provides a best fit andhas the most similar radio conditions as FAP_(A) 102. It can beappreciated that the analysis component 408 can utilize most anysuitable logic and/or policies, to identify the FAP. In one example, theanalysis component 408 can select a first FAP that is further away fromFAP_(A) 102 than a second FAP, if the operating parameters of the firstFAP have been optimized to a greater extent than those of the secondFAP.

In addition, the analysis component 408 can also categorize the FAP_(A)102 within one of a number of pre-provisioned service area and parameterprofiles. For example, the FAP_(A) 102 can be categorized as “multipledominant macro,” if many strong predicted and measured macro signalsexist near the location of the FAP_(A) 102. In this example scenario,the analysis component 408 can determine that the FAP_(A) 102 canrequire high femto transmission power and/or high thresholds forhandout. In another example, the FAP_(A) 102 can be categorized as “lowmacro dominance,” if low predicted and measured macro signals exist nearthe location of the FAP_(A) 102, and it can be determined by theanalysis component 408 that the FAP_(A) 102 can utilize low femtotransmission power and/or low thresholds for handout. It can beappreciated that the above profiles are just a few examples and thenumber of potential profiles and criterion is relatively limitless. Ingeneral, the analysis component 408 can identify a FAP (e.g., FAP_(B)106) that provides a best fit for FAP_(A) 102, based on an analysis oflocation information, optimization levels, and/or parameter profiles.

Typically, the FAP (e.g., FAP_(B) 106) identified by the analysiscomponent 408 can have operating parameters that have been optimizedover a significant period of time (e.g., weeks, moths, years) before theFAP_(A) 102 is configured. Thus, the accuracy of operating parametersdeployed in pre-existing/pre-provisioned FAP_(B) 106 can be an order ofmagnitude better than those the FAP_(A) 102 can derive on its own duringan initial measurement. Accordingly, the parameter provisioning platform404 can utilize a parameter delivery component 410 to transfer a set ofoperating parameters from FAP_(B) 106 to FAP_(A) 102. As an example, theparameter delivery component 410 can retrieve one or more operatingparameters (selected by analysis component) from a data store of FAP_(B)106 and provide the one or more operating parameters to FAP_(A) 102 forstorage and utilization. In this regard, FAP_(A) 102 will provisionquicker and with a more optimal parameter set.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example system 500 that employs an artificialintelligence (AI) component 502, which facilitates automating one ormore features in accordance with the subject innovation. It can beappreciated that the network node 402 and the parameter provisioningplatform 404 can include respective functionality, as more fullydescribed herein, for example, with regard to system 400. Additionally,although the AI component 502 is depicted to reside within the networknode 402, it can be appreciated that the AI component 502 can beexternally connected to the network node 402.

The subject innovation (e.g., in connection with selecting operatingparameters for a new FAP) can employ various AI-based schemes forcarrying out various aspects thereof. For example, a process forselecting a previously provisioned FAP, and/or selecting operatingparameters from one or more previously provisioned FAPs, can befacilitated via an automatic classifier system and process. Moreover,the classifier can be employed to determine which previously provisionedFAP can be utilized, which operating parameters can be selected from theselected FAP, the surrounding radio environment of the new FAP, etc.

A classifier is a function that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1,x2, x3, x4, xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, thatis, f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification can employ aprobabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring intothe analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer an action that auser desires to be automatically performed. In the case of communicationsystems, for example, attributes can be information stored in a database(e.g., location information, subscriber information, network providerpolicies, etc.), and the classes can be categories or areas of interest(e.g., levels of optimization/priorities).

A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can beemployed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space ofpossible inputs, which the hypersurface attempts to split the triggeringcriteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes theclassification correct for testing data that is near, but not identicalto training data. Other directed and undirected model classificationapproaches include, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decisiontrees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilisticclassification models providing different patterns of independence canbe employed. Classification as used herein also is inclusive ofstatistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated from the subject specification, thesubject innovation can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g.,via observing UE behavior, femtocell operation, receiving extrinsicinformation). For example, SVM's are configured via a learning ortraining phase within a classifier constructor and feature selectionmodule. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn andperform a number of functions, including but not limited to determiningaccording to a predetermined criteria which femtocell is likely to havethe most similar set of radio conditions to those of a newly set-upfemtocell, which operating parameters can be selected from whichpreviously provisioned FAP, etc. The criteria can include, but is notlimited to, historical patterns, FAP performance data, user preferences,service provider preferences and/or policies, location of the FAPs, etc.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate methodologies and/or flow diagrams in accordancewith the disclosed subject matter. For simplicity of explanation, themethodologies are depicted and described as a series of acts. It is tobe understood and appreciated that the subject innovation is not limitedby the acts illustrated and/or by the order of acts, for example actscan occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and with other acts notpresented and described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated actsmay be required to implement the methodologies in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art willunderstand and appreciate that the methodologies could alternatively berepresented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram orevents. Additionally, it should be further appreciated that themethodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this specificationare capable of being stored on an article of manufacture to facilitatetransporting and transferring such methodologies to computers. The termarticle of manufacture, as used herein, is intended to encompass acomputer program accessible from any computer-readable device orcomputer-readable storage/communications media.

Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example methodology 600 thatcan be utilized to facilitate improved speed and accuracy of initialfemtocell provisioning, according to an aspect of the subjectspecification. Typically, on start-up, re-boot, power-up, etc., a newlydeployed FAP can operate in a configuration mode that facilitatesselection of operating parameters for the femtocell. In general,methodology 600 facilitates defining a femtocell operating parameterprofile for the FAP in the configuration mode, based upon examples froma nearby FAP expected to have similar macro radio conditions.

At 602, a request for operating parameters can be received from a newFAP. The terms “new FAP” as used herein refers to a FAP in aconfiguration mode, for example, that has not been provisioned. At 604,a previously provisioned FAP can be identified. In one example, thepreviously provisioned FAP can be within a specified distance from thenew FAP. In another example, the previously provisioned FAP can havesimilar radio conditions/operating profile classification as that of thenew FAP. In yet another example, the operating parameters utilized bythe previously provisioned FAP can be optimized above a certain level ofoptimization and/or for more than a specified amount of time (e.g., morethan one week, one month, etc.). Moreover, weighting applied to thepreviously provisioned FAP can help determine which set of femtocelloperating parameter profiles can be utilized.

At 606, operating parameters utilized by the previously provisioned FAPcan be retrieved. Further, at 608, the operating parameters can bedelivered to the new FAP, via wired and/or wireless communication.Moreover, the new FAP does not need to waste time collecting networklisten measurements during start-up and can be quickly provisioned byemploying the operating parameters from the previously provisioned FAP.Additionally, the operating parameters from the previously provisionedFAP enable the new FAP to quickly converge to an optimal set ofoperating parameters, for example, derived from a periodicself-optimization process.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example methodology 700 that facilitates efficientand accurate femtocell provisioning in accordance with an aspect of thesubject specification. In particular, methodology 700 provides amechanism to utilize pre-existing FAP operating parameters, which havebeen determined/optimized based upon many cycles of optimization, toaugment initial network listen measurements in a newly deployed FAP.

At 702, the FAP can be activated. Typically, activation can occur whenthe FAP is powered on (e.g., after power goes out, at setup, whenrebooted, etc.). At 704, a configuration mode is entered. Moreover, theFAP is provisioned during the configuration mode by setting operatingparameters (e.g., access control, admission control, mobility, and/orpower control parameters). Further, at 706, operating parameters arerequested from a network node (e.g., auto configuration server). In oneaspect, the network node identifies a set of pre-optimized FAPs that arelocated within a predefined geographical distance from the activatedFAP, and selects operating parameters from the set of pre-optimized FAPsthat provide a best fit for the activated FAP. At 708, the operatingparameters from a nearby (e.g., within the predefined geographicaldistance) FAP, selected by the network node, are received (e.g., overwired and/or wireless communication). Moreover, at 710, the operatingparameters are utilized for femtocell operation. In addition, at 712,the operating parameters are updated based on additional measurementsperformed over time. For example, each night, network listenmeasurements are repeated and operating parameters areoptimized/fine-tuned to best suit the specific radio environment of theactivated FAP.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic wireless environment 800 (e.g., anetwork) in which a femtocell can exploit various aspects of the subjectinnovation in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In wirelessenvironment 800, area 805 can represent a coverage macro cell, which canbe served by base station 810. Macro coverage is generally intended foroutdoors locations for servicing mobile wireless devices, like UE 820_(A), and such coverage is achieved via a wireless link 815. In anaspect, UE 820 can be a 3GPP Universal Mobile Telecommunication System(UMTS) mobile phone.

Within macro coverage cell 805, a femtocell 845, served by a femtoaccess point 830, can be deployed. A femtocell typically can cover anarea 825 that is determined, at least in part, by transmission powerallocated to FAP 830, path loss, shadowing, and so forth. Coverage areatypically can be spanned by a coverage radius that ranges from 20 to 50meters. Confined coverage area 845 is generally associated with anindoors area, or a building, which can span about 5000 sq. ft.Generally, FAP 830 typically can service a number (e.g., a few or more)wireless devices (e.g., subscriber station 820 _(B)) within confinedcoverage area 845. In an aspect, FAP 830 can integrate seamlessly withsubstantially any PS-based and CS-based network; for instance, FAP 830can integrate into an existing 3GPP Core via conventional interfaceslike Iu-CS, Iu-PS, Gi, Gn. In another aspect, FAP 830 can exploithigh-speed downlink packet access in order to accomplish substantivebitrates. In yet another aspect, FAP 830 has a LAC (location area code)and RAC (routing area code) that can be different from the underlyingmacro network. These LAC and RAC are used to identify subscriber stationlocation for a variety of reasons, most notably to direct incoming voiceand data traffic to appropriate paging transmitters.

As a subscriber station, e.g., UE 820 _(A), can leave macro coverage(e.g., cell 805) and enters femtocell coverage (e.g., area 825), asillustrated in environment 800, a carrier frequency scan can betriggered by the UE 820 _(A), which can detect the FAP 830. UE 820 _(A)can attempt to attach to the FAP 830 through transmission and receptionof attachment signaling, effected via a FL/RL 835; in an aspect, theattachment signaling can include a Location Area Update (LAU) and/orRouting Area Update (RAU). Attachment attempts are a part of proceduresto ensure mobility, so voice calls and sessions can continue even aftera macro-to-femto transition or vice versa. It is to be noted that UE 820can be employed seamlessly after either of the foregoing transitions.Femto networks are also designed to serve stationary or slow-movingtraffic with reduced signaling loads compared to macro networks. A femtoservice provider (e.g., an entity that commercializes, deploys, and/orutilizes FAP 830) therefore can be inclined to minimize unnecessaryLAU/RAU signaling activity at substantially any opportunity to do so,and through substantially any available means. It is to be noted thatsubstantially any mitigation of unnecessary attachment signaling/controlcan be advantageous for femtocell operation. Conversely, if notsuccessful, UE 820 generally can be commanded (through a variety ofcommunication means) to select another LAC/RAC or enter “emergency callsonly” mode. It is to be appreciated that this attempt and handlingprocess can occupy significant UE battery, and FAP capacity andsignaling resources as well.

When an attachment attempt is successful, UE 820 can be allowed onfemtocell 825 and incoming voice and data traffic can be paged androuted to the subscriber station through the FAP 830. It is to be notedalso that data traffic is typically routed through a backhaul broadbandwired network backbone 840 (e.g., optical fiber backbone, twisted-pairline, T1/E1 phone line, DSL, or coaxial cable). It is to be noted thatas a FAP 830 generally can rely on a backhaul network backbone 840 forrouting and paging, and for packet communication, substantially anyquality of service can handle heterogeneous packetized traffic. Namely,packet flows established for wireless communication devices (e.g.,terminals 820 _(A) and 820 _(B)) served by FAP 830, and for devicesserved through the backhaul network pipe 840. According to one aspect,during the provisioning of FAP 830, parameters for operation of thefemtocell 825 can be collected by the core communication network 104from a nearby FAP (not shown) and provided to the FAP 830, via thebackhaul network pipe 840 and/or the macro coverage cell 805.

To provide further context for various aspects of the subjectspecification, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate, respectively, an examplewireless communication environment 900, with associated components foroperation of a femtocell, and a block diagram of an example embodiment1000 of a femto access point, which can utilize operating parameter(s)from a nearby FAP, during initial set-up, in accordance with aspectsdescribed herein.

Wireless communication environment 900 includes two wireless networkplatforms: (i) A macro network platform 910 that serves, or facilitatescommunication) with user equipment 975 via a macro radio access network(RAN) 970. It should be appreciated that in cellular wirelesstechnologies (e.g., 3GPP UMTS, HSPA, 3GPP LTE, 3GPP UMB), macro networkplatform 910 is embodied in a Core Network. (ii) A femto networkplatform 980, which can provide communication with UE 975 through afemto RAN 990 linked to the femto network platform 980 via backhaulpipe(s) 985, wherein backhaul pipe(s) are substantially the same abackhaul link 840. It should be appreciated that femto network platform980 typically offloads UE 975 from macro network, once UE 975 attaches(e.g., through macro-to-femto handover, or via a scan of channelresources in idle mode) to femto RAN.

It is noted that RAN includes base station(s), or access point(s), andits associated electronic circuitry and deployment site(s), in additionto a wireless radio link operated in accordance with the basestation(s). Accordingly, macro RAN 970 can comprise various coveragecells like cell 805, while femto RAN 990 can comprise multiple femtocellaccess points. As mentioned above, it is to be appreciated thatdeployment density in femto RAN 990 is substantially higher than inmacro RAN 970.

Generally, both macro and femto network platforms 910 and 980 caninclude components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, orplatforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) andcircuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data) and controlgeneration for networked wireless communication. For example, macronetwork platform 910 includes CS gateway node(s) 912 which can interfaceCS traffic received from legacy networks like telephony network(s) 940(e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobilenetwork (PLMN)) or a SS7 network 960. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 912interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and gateway node(s) 918.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, gateway node(s) 918 can authorize and authenticate PS-baseddata sessions with served (e.g., through macro RAN) wireless devices.Data sessions can include traffic exchange with networks external to themacro network platform 910, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 950; itshould be appreciated that local area network(s) (LANs) can also beinterfaced with macro network platform 910 through gateway node(s) 918.Gateway node(s) 918 generates packet data contexts when a data sessionis established. It should be further appreciated that the packetizedcommunication can include multiple flows that can be generated throughserver(s) 914. Macro network platform 910 also includes serving node(s)916 that convey the various packetized flows of information, or datastreams, received through gateway node(s) 918. It is to be noted thatserver(s) 914 can include one or more processor configured to confer atleast in part the functionality of macro network platform 910. To thatend, the one or more processor can execute code instructions stored inmemory 930, for example.

In example wireless environment 900, memory 930 stores informationrelated to operation of macro network platform 910. Information caninclude business data associated with subscribers; market plans andstrategies, e.g., promotional campaigns, business partnerships;operational data for mobile devices served through macro networkplatform; service and privacy policies; end-user service logs for lawenforcement; and so forth. Memory 930 can also store information from atleast one of telephony network(s) 940, WAN(s) 950, or SS7 network 960.

Femto gateway node(s) 984 have substantially the same functionality asPS gateway node(s) 918. Additionally, femto gateway node(s) 984 can alsoinclude substantially all functionality of serving node(s) 916. In anaspect, femto gateway node(s) 984 facilitates handover resolution, e.g.,assessment and execution. Server(s) 982 have substantially the samefunctionality as described in connection with server(s) 914 and caninclude one or more processor configured to confer at least in part thefunctionality of macro network platform 910. Moreover, the server(s) 982and/or server(s) 914 can include at least one server substantiallysimilar to network node 402, described in detail supra. To that end, theone or more processor can execute code instructions stored in memory986, for example.

Memory 986 can include information relevant to operation of the variouscomponents of femto network platform 980. For example operationalinformation that can be stored in memory 986 can comprise, but is notlimited to, location of deployed femtocells, subscriber information;contracted services; maintenance and service records; femtocellconfiguration (e.g., devices served through femto RAN 990; accesscontrol lists, or white lists); service policies and specifications;privacy policies; add-on features; and so forth

With respect to FIG. 10, in example embodiment 1000, femtocell AP 1010can receive and transmit signal(s) (e.g., traffic and control signals)from and to wireless devices, access terminals, wireless ports androuters, etc., through a set of antennas 1069 ₁-1069 _(N). It should beappreciated that while antennas 1069 ₁-1069 _(N) are a part ofcommunication platform 214, which comprises electronic components andassociated circuitry that provides for processing and manipulating ofreceived signal(s) (e.g., a packet flow) and signal(s) (e.g., abroadcast control channel) to be transmitted. Moreover, FAP 1010 issubstantially similar to FAP_(A) 102, and/or FAP_(B) 106 and can includefunctionally, as more fully described herein, for example, with regardto systems 100-400.

In an aspect, communication platform 214 includes a transmitter/receiver(e.g., a transceiver) 1066 that can convert signal(s) from analog formatto digital format upon reception, and from digital format to analogformat upon transmission. In addition, receiver/transmitter 1066 candivide a single data stream into multiple, parallel data streams, orperform the reciprocal operation. Coupled to transceiver 1066 is amultiplexer/demultiplexer 1067 that facilitates manipulation of signalin time and frequency space. Electronic component 1067 can multiplexinformation (data/traffic and control/signaling) according to variousmultiplexing schemes such as time division multiplexing (TDM), frequencydivision multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing(OFDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), space division multiplexing(SDM). In addition, mux/demux component 1067 can scramble and spreadinformation (e.g., codes) according to substantially any code known inthe art; e.g., Hadamard-Walsh codes, Baker codes, Kasami codes,polyphase codes, and so on. A modulator/demodulator 1068 is also a partof operational group 1025, and can modulate information according tomultiple modulation techniques, such as frequency modulation, amplitudemodulation (e.g., M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), with M apositive integer), phase-shift keying (PSK), and the like.

FAP 1010 also includes a processor 1045 configured to conferfunctionality, at least partially, to substantially any electroniccomponent in the FAP 1010, in accordance with aspects of the subjectinnovation. In particular, processor 1045 can facilitate FAP 1010 toimplement configuration instructions received through communicationplatform 1025, which can include storing data in memory 1055. Inaddition, processor 1045 facilitates FAP 1010 to process data (e.g.,symbols, bits, or chips) for multiplexing/demultiplexing, such aseffecting direct and inverse fast Fourier transforms, selection ofmodulation rates, selection of data packet formats, inter-packet times,etc. Moreover, processor 1045 can manipulate antennas 1069 ₁-1069 _(N)to facilitate beamforming or selective radiation pattern formation,which can benefit specific locations (e.g., basement, home office . . .) covered by FAP; and exploit substantially any other advantagesassociated with smart-antenna technology. Memory 1055 can store datastructures, code instructions, system or device information like deviceidentification codes (e.g., IMEI, MSISDN, serial number . . . ) andspecification and/or operating parameters, such as, but not limited to,multimode capabilities; code sequences for scrambling; spreading andpilot transmission, floor plan configuration, access point deploymentand frequency plans; and so on. In addition, memory 1055 can storeinformation such as schedules and policies; FAP address(es) orgeographical indicator(s); access lists (e.g., white lists); license(s)for utilization of add-features for FAP 1010, and so forth.

In embodiment 1000, processor 1045 is coupled to the memory 1055 inorder to store and retrieve information necessary to operate and/orconfer functionality to communication platform 1025, broadband networkinterface 1035 (e.g., a broadband modem), and other operationalcomponents (e.g., multimode chipset(s), power supply sources . . . ; notshown) that support femto access point 1010. The FAP 1010 can furtherinclude a parameter management component 202, which can includefunctionality, as more fully described herein, for example, with regardto systems 100-300. It is to be noted that the various aspects disclosedin the subject specification can also be implemented through (i) programmodules stored in a computer-readable storage medium or memory (e.g.,memory 986 or memory 1055) and executed by a processor (e.g., processor1045), or (ii) other combination(s) of hardware and software, orhardware and firmware.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer operable to execute the disclosed communication architecture.In order to provide additional context for various aspects of thesubject specification, FIG. 11 and the following discussion are intendedto provide a brief, general description of a suitable computingenvironment 1100 in which the various aspects (e.g., FAP, network node,etc.) of the specification can be implemented. While the specificationhas been described above in the general context of computer-executableinstructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in theart will recognize that the specification also can be implemented incombination with other program modules and/or as a combination ofhardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the specification can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include,but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical diskstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitorymedia which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readablestorage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computingdevices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrievalprotocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the informationstored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information deliveryor transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refersto a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changedin such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By wayof example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 11, the example environment 1100 forimplementing various aspects of the specification includes a computer1102, the computer 1102 including a processing unit 1104, a systemmemory 1106 and a system bus 1108. The system bus 1108 couples systemcomponents including, but not limited to, the system memory 1106 to theprocessing unit 1104. The processing unit 1104 can be any of variouscommercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and othermulti-processor architectures can also be employed as the processingunit 1104.

The system bus 1108 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1106includes read-only memory (ROM) 1110 and random access memory (RAM)1112. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1110 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1102, such as during startup. The RAM 1112 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1102 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1114 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1114 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1116, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1118) and an optical disk drive 1120, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1122 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1114, magnetic diskdrive 1116 and optical disk drive 1120 can be connected to the systembus 1108 by a hard disk drive interface 1124, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1126 and an optical drive interface 1128, respectively. Theinterface 1124 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject specification.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1102, the drives andstorage media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digitalformat. Although the description of computer-readable storage mediaabove refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removableoptical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that other types of storage media which are readableby a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods ofthe specification.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1112,including an operating system 1130, one or more application programs1132, other program modules 1134 and program data 1136. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1112. It is appreciated that the specification can beimplemented with various commercially available operating systems orcombinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1102 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1138 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1140. Other input devices (not shown)can include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1104 through an input deviceinterface 1142 that is coupled to the system bus 1108, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1144 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1146. Inaddition to the monitor 1144, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1102 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1148. The remotecomputer(s) 1148 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer1102, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device1150 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted includewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1152 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1154. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1102 isconnected to the local network 1152 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1156. The adapter 1156 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1152, which canalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1156.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1102 can includea modem 1158, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1154, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1154, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1158, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1108 via the serial port interface 1142. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1102, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1150. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexample and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer 1102 is operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b,g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. AWi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to theInternet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet).Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, atan 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, orwith products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures suchas, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhanceperformance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as acombination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “data store,” data storage,”“database,” and substantially any other information storage componentrelevant to operation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components, orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory caninclude read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electricallyprogrammable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flashmemory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), whichacts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and notlimitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rateSDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), anddirect Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory componentsof systems or methods herein are intended to comprise, without beinglimited to comprising, these and any other suitable types of memory.

What has been described above includes examples of the presentspecification. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill in theart may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of thepresent specification are possible. Accordingly, the presentspecification is intended to embrace all such alterations, modificationsand variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used ineither the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended tobe inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

1. A system for femtocell provisioning, comprising: a parametermanagement component associated with a first femto access point andconfigured to receive a parameter utilized by a second femto accesspoint, wherein the first femto access point is provisioned based on theparameter; and a communication platform configured to operate afemtocell associated with the first femto access point based on theparameter.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameter includes apower control parameter.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameterincludes a mobility control parameter.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe second femto access point is selected to be within a specifieddistance from the first femto access point.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the second femto access point is selected to have a level ofoptimization, for the parameter, that is greater than a threshold value.6. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameter management component isconfigured to query a network node for the parameter during aconfiguration mode.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising, alocation component configured to provide data associated with a locationof the first femto access point to the network node.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising, a measurement component configured toidentify a signal strength of a communication cell neighboring the firstfemto access point.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the parametermanagement component is further configured to update the parameter basedon the signal strength.
 10. An apparatus for femtocell provisioning,comprising: a parameter provisioning platform that receives a requestfor a set of operating parameters from a femto access point; and aparameter delivery component that provides, to the femto access point inresponse to the request, the set of operating parameters utilized by apre-provisioned femto access point.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the parameter provisioning platform receives locationinformation associated with the femto access point.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, further comprising, a femto detection component thatidentifies a set of pre-provisioned femto access points located within apredefined distance from the femto access point.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, further comprising, an analysis component that selects thepre-provisioned femto access point from the set of pre-provisioned femtoaccess points based on an analysis of a distance between thepre-provisioned femto access point and the femto access point, and alevel of optimization of the set of operating parameters utilized by thepre-provisioned femto access point.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the analysis component classifies the femto access point withina parameter profile to facilitate identification of the pre-provisionedfemto access point.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the parameterdelivery component provides the set of operating parameters to the femtoaccess point via a backhaul broadband network connected to the femtoaccess point.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising, anartificial intelligence component that identifies the pre-provisionedfemto access point based on machine learning.
 17. A method for femtocellprovisioning, comprising: initializing a femtocell including requestingan operating parameter for the femtocell; and receiving the operatingparameter utilized by a previously provisioned femtocell located withina specific distance from the femtocell.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising, storing the operating parameter within the femtocelland operating the femtocell based on the operating parameter.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising, determining a location of thefemtocell to facilitate selection of the previously provisionedfemtocell.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising, updating theoperating parameter based on a network listen measurement performed inthe femtocell.